By B D Narayankar

After the party''s debacle in Rajasthan, Delhi and Mizoram assembly elections, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar has something to cheer about for the positive results in Jammu region. The party has increased its tally from one to 11.

Though BJP failed to make inroads in Kashmir, Javadekar was satisfied over many candidates improving their performances. In an exclusive interview with Mynews.in Bureau Chief B D Narayankar at his Pune residence, he said the worthiness of National Conference-Congress alliance would be based on how they handled seperatist issue in the state. Here are some of the excerpts from the interview.

B D Narayankar: Other than Jammu, BJP has failed to make an impact in Kashmir region. It's not sufficient to rely on sectorial politics. Your views?

Prakash Javadekar: The BJP has hiked its tally from one to 11 in Jammu. It's not a mean achievement. Normally, parties get results in their favor in their bastions, which is based on so many complex factors. Jammu had been our stronghold. As far as Kashmir region is concerned, we have fared well there too. This time around many party candidates in the valley have received good support.

Narayankar: Do you think Amarnath land dispute helped BJP in Kashmir?

Javadekar: Amarnath controversy led Congress into several flip-flops as it tried to please Muslims. In the process, it lost an ally and a government and, eventually, its base in urban Jammu. It was a fight between nationalists and seperatists. It was the last straw on the continued neglect of Jammu.

Narayankar: How do you react to BJP Vice-President  Shanta Kumar's comments saying veteran leader Atal Behari Vajpayee's absence from active politics was one of the reasons for unfavorable results in Delhi, Rajasthan and Mizoram assembly elections?

Javadekar: Yes, Atalji's absence from active politics was one of the reasons for unfavorable results. He is an inspiration for all of us and has a unique position in Indian politics.

Narayankar: Has delimitation process affected BJP's performance in Delhi and Rajasthan. What's your views?

Javadekar: No. In fact, we have been pressing for it even in Jammu and Kashmir.

Narayankar: How do you see the possible alliance of NCP and Congress? Is it good for J&K?

Javadekar: This is the second alliance of both parties in J&K. The National Conference had formed the government with the Congress after Rajiv Gandhi-Farooq Abdulah accord in 1987. The government lasted till February 19, 1990 and the rest is history - seperatism surged in Kashmir as Islamic forces forced the exodus of Hindu Kashmiris and pro-Pakistan terror groups took base leading to over two decades of insurgency. The present coalition government also faces the same challenge. The alliance worthiness will depend on how both these parties face the seperatist challenge.

Narayankar: Recent assembly poll results in six states has shown the shrinking space of BJP and Congress. This has made political pundits believe that India will see hung Parliament in the ensuing Lok Sabha poll. What's your take?

Javadekar: BJP hopes NDA will get majority.